Cotocon Advises NYC Building Owners on Compliance Ahead of Local Law 97 Enforcement

Cotocon Advises NYC Building Owners on Compliance Ahead of Local Law 97 Enforcement



As Local Law 97 (LL97) enters its first enforcement phase and emissions thresholds tighten as we approach 2030, The Cotocon Group is calling upon building owners in New York City to take proactive steps in their compliance efforts. The recent clarification of LL97's rules has transformed previous uncertainty into focused action.

Understanding LL97 Enforcement


Jimmy Carchietta, the Founder and CEO of The Cotocon Group, emphasizes that the focus is now on actionable questions like: "What is my building's actual exposure?" Rather than questioning if LL97 enforcement will happen, owners need to strategize for full compliance.

Importance of Accurate Data


Cotocon states that the foundation of effective planning is reliant on accurate data. Many properties lack reliable metrics on key performance indicators, such as:
  • - Annual energy use by fuel type
  • - Verified breakdown of space types
  • - 2024 emissions performance in relation to allowable limits
  • - Projected caps for 2030 and associated penalties

According to Carchietta, decisions driven by incorrect assumptions can lead to significant financial consequences. He advocates starting every engagement by thoroughly cleaning and validating data across various records such as DOB, DOF, and utility data. Only after this essential step can a cohesive compliance strategy be developed.

Key Facts for Building Owners


As we navigate late 2025, Cotocon outlines crucial insights that every building owner must acknowledge:
1. Recurring Fines: Penalties for surpassing emissions limits aren’t one-time charges, but can compound annually with additional non-filing fines.
2. 2030 Planning: Meeting the standards for 2024 is achievable for many, but without updates, exceeding the 2030 cap is a real possibility.
3. Time for Retrofits: Comprehensive upgrades such as electrification and envelope updates require a considerable time frame (12-30 months) for planning and execution.
4. Evolving Financial Incentives: Understanding the latest utility incentives and financing options, including green bank offerings, is crucial for effective financial modeling.

Carchietta warns that hesitation in pursuing upgrades can result in missing out on critical timelines.

Choosing the Right Partners


Cotocon encourages owners to collaborate with specialized LL97 consultants instead of generic contractors to ensure a legally compliant strategy.

A proficient LL97 service partner can offer:
  • - Data validation and emissions forecasting
  • - Strategic capital planning aligned with future emissions caps
  • - Energy audits and retro-commissioning services
  • - Assessments for electrification and heat pump feasibility
  • - Envelope and ventilation assessments
  • - Neutral contractor recommendations to optimize incentives

The Cotocon team is also enhancing their digital compliance and monitoring platform, The Carbon Shield, to empower owners with monthly emissions tracking and long-term risk forecasting.

Key Actions for Compliance


Cotocon urges building owners, including co-ops, condos, and commercial properties, to undertake essential compliance actions before the second quarter of 2026:
  • - Verify the accuracy of emissions and benchmarking for 2024.
  • - Utilize real data to model potential exposure for 2030.
  • - Invest in upgrades that ensure future compliance, like lighting and heating system improvements.
  • - Conduct feasibility studies for heat pumps and electrification options.
  • - Align capital expenditures to meet LL97 requirements proactively, minimizing reactive spending.
  • - Leverage the resources of NYC Accelerator for expert guidance.

Cotocon supports building owners through each stage of compliance, from emissions validation to upgrades aligned with financial incentives, ensuring a smooth transition to meeting LL97 standards.

About The Cotocon Group


The Cotocon Group stands as a premier consulting firm specializing in building compliance and energy performance in New York City. Their expertise includes navigating various local laws related to sustainability, offering a holistic suite of services including data validation, Energy Audits, Retro-Commissioning, electrification assessments, and complete LL97 compliance strategies. They also manage The Carbon Shield platform, providing real-time emissions tracking and insights to empower building owners.

For more details, visit The Cotocon Group.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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